Exclusive: Brooklyn-based filmmaker Ged Dickersin (Coda) is launching True Indy, a production company intent on making films that can and should be made independently, with filmmakers telling acutely relevant stories for the world market.
True Indy sees the opportunity to attract financing for films that can be made in the $1 million-$5 million range, reducing the financial risk to investors and increasing the chances for a return on the investment. The company is introducing its slate of original U.S.-born indies at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin, as well as looking to partner with filmmakers from around the world in international co-productions.
“Independent filmmaking has developed so much, with budgets that exceed what the new world market can return, making it difficult for private equity to support the independents,” Dickersin said. “Coming out of the pandemic and the strikes, the cost of making a film has inflated drastically,...
True Indy sees the opportunity to attract financing for films that can be made in the $1 million-$5 million range, reducing the financial risk to investors and increasing the chances for a return on the investment. The company is introducing its slate of original U.S.-born indies at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin, as well as looking to partner with filmmakers from around the world in international co-productions.
“Independent filmmaking has developed so much, with budgets that exceed what the new world market can return, making it difficult for private equity to support the independents,” Dickersin said. “Coming out of the pandemic and the strikes, the cost of making a film has inflated drastically,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
AFI and NYU won gold medals at the 2023 Student Academy Awards, which took place on Tuesday evening at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in the Academy’s headquarters in Beverly Hills.
The other two gold medals went to international schools, the École des Nouvelles Images in France and Filmakademie Wien in Austria.
Awards were given out in four categories, with up to three winners in each category being revealed ahead of time but the medal placement kept secret until the ceremony. Presenters included “Super Mario Bros. Movie” directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, Student Academy Awards committee chair Peggy Rajski and past Student Oscar winners Brad Bailey, Sujin Kim, Ken Kwapis, Freddy Macdonald, Olivia Peace and Kevin Wilson Jr.
In the Alternative/Experimental category, the gold medal went to AFI student Leo Behrens’ “Skin,” with no silver or bronze medals handed out.
In the animation category, all three winners were from...
The other two gold medals went to international schools, the École des Nouvelles Images in France and Filmakademie Wien in Austria.
Awards were given out in four categories, with up to three winners in each category being revealed ahead of time but the medal placement kept secret until the ceremony. Presenters included “Super Mario Bros. Movie” directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, Student Academy Awards committee chair Peggy Rajski and past Student Oscar winners Brad Bailey, Sujin Kim, Ken Kwapis, Freddy Macdonald, Olivia Peace and Kevin Wilson Jr.
In the Alternative/Experimental category, the gold medal went to AFI student Leo Behrens’ “Skin,” with no silver or bronze medals handed out.
In the animation category, all three winners were from...
- 10/25/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Film Independent today unveiled the three short films directed by fellows selected to participate in its Global Media Makers Spring 2022 LA Residency. (Watch them here.)
A mentoring initiative and cultural exchange program that fosters relationships between filmmakers and industry professionals in the U.S. and abroad, Gmm is produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The shorts emerged from a collaborative workshop where Fellows were paired with local Film Independent Fellows to create a short, impressionistic, film shot on iPhone, which encompasses their personal views of Los Angeles. The local Fellows participating were Nicholas Naiem Bouier, Winter Dunn, Gem Little, Martina Silcock and Katherine Fairfax Wright.
“Providing our Gmm Fellows a space and time to explore our city of Los Angeles, guided by a local Film Independent Fellow, is central to the mission of the program: building bridges and fostering...
A mentoring initiative and cultural exchange program that fosters relationships between filmmakers and industry professionals in the U.S. and abroad, Gmm is produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The shorts emerged from a collaborative workshop where Fellows were paired with local Film Independent Fellows to create a short, impressionistic, film shot on iPhone, which encompasses their personal views of Los Angeles. The local Fellows participating were Nicholas Naiem Bouier, Winter Dunn, Gem Little, Martina Silcock and Katherine Fairfax Wright.
“Providing our Gmm Fellows a space and time to explore our city of Los Angeles, guided by a local Film Independent Fellow, is central to the mission of the program: building bridges and fostering...
- 8/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
There just aren't a lot of queer-themed stage musicals starring queer kids. And when I refer to kids, I mean those on the lower spectrum of teenhood, around 13, or lower.
It was years ago I saw Carly Gold as 10-year-old Alison Bechdel perform "Ring of Keys," a signature number in the touring "Fun Home" musical. Four years later, I watched "Trevor: The Musical," based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning short film "Trevor" directed by Peggy Rajski and written by Celeste Lecesne, at Stage 42 off-Broadway in NYC. While it was by no means a groundbreaker, I realized then...
The post Trevor: The Musical Review: Holden William Hagelberger Shines in the Filmed Version of the Off-Broadway Stage Production appeared first on /Film.
It was years ago I saw Carly Gold as 10-year-old Alison Bechdel perform "Ring of Keys," a signature number in the touring "Fun Home" musical. Four years later, I watched "Trevor: The Musical," based on the 1994 Academy Award-winning short film "Trevor" directed by Peggy Rajski and written by Celeste Lecesne, at Stage 42 off-Broadway in NYC. While it was by no means a groundbreaker, I realized then...
The post Trevor: The Musical Review: Holden William Hagelberger Shines in the Filmed Version of the Off-Broadway Stage Production appeared first on /Film.
- 6/27/2022
- by Caroline Cao
- Slash Film
A filmed version of the critically lauded Off Broadway production Trevor: The Musical will debut exclusively on Disney+ Friday, June 24.
Produced by RadicalMedia, Trevor: The Musical follows 13-year-old Trevor (winningly played by newcomer Holden William Hagelberger) as he navigates a “turbulent journey of self-discovery.” The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award-winning short film Trevor written by Celeste Lecesne and directed by Peggy Rajski, which inspired the nonprofit organization The Trevor Project, now the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people.
The musical had its world premiere at The Writers Theatre in Chicago, and made its Off Broadway debut last November. The filmed version features the original Off Broadway cast: In addition to Hagelberger, the musical stars Mark Aguirre, Aaron Alcaraz, Ava Briglia, Sammy Dell, Tyler Joseph Gay, Ellie Kim, Colin Konstanty, Brigg Liberman, Diego Lucano, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Isabel Medina, Echo Deva Picone,...
Produced by RadicalMedia, Trevor: The Musical follows 13-year-old Trevor (winningly played by newcomer Holden William Hagelberger) as he navigates a “turbulent journey of self-discovery.” The musical is based on the 1995 Academy Award-winning short film Trevor written by Celeste Lecesne and directed by Peggy Rajski, which inspired the nonprofit organization The Trevor Project, now the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people.
The musical had its world premiere at The Writers Theatre in Chicago, and made its Off Broadway debut last November. The filmed version features the original Off Broadway cast: In addition to Hagelberger, the musical stars Mark Aguirre, Aaron Alcaraz, Ava Briglia, Sammy Dell, Tyler Joseph Gay, Ellie Kim, Colin Konstanty, Brigg Liberman, Diego Lucano, Alyssa Emily Marvin, Isabel Medina, Echo Deva Picone,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Peggy Rajski has been sacked as dean of Loyola Marymount University’s prestigious School of Film and Television after less than three years following complaints about her abrasive behavior to faculty and staff, TheWrap has learned. In a March 12 letter to the school, Lmu Provost Thomas Poon said that he had met with Rajski that afternoon and “informed her of my decision that the school and the university would be best served by new Sftv leadership.” He named Communication and Performance Arts professor Bryant Keith Alexander as interim dean of the L.A.-based school. By the weekend, Rajski’s biography page had been removed from the university’s website. A rep for the university declined to comment on why Rajski had been removed as dean in the middle of the university’s spring semester, saying the school cannot comment on personnel matters. Also Read: Lmu Film School Receives Grant...
- 3/17/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
Cathleen Young didn’t know anything about accounting, fundraising, human resources or running a nonprofit organization when she joined the Humanitas Prize as executive director in 2007. She was a film and TV writer who had been involved with the organization ever since she won a Humanitas kudo for her 1994 Hallmark Hall of Fame telepic “A Place for Annie.”
Fifteen years later, Young is stepping down now that she has found a new home for Humanitas at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.
The West Los Angeles university will administer the Humanitas Prize awards, designed to recognize writers of movies and TV shows that illuminate the human condition.
“I dated a few colleges, but nothing really worked out until I got to Lmu,” Young tells Variety.
Humanitas has a $5 million endowment, but it lacks the infrastructure to expand the scope of its activity even at a time when...
Fifteen years later, Young is stepping down now that she has found a new home for Humanitas at Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.
The West Los Angeles university will administer the Humanitas Prize awards, designed to recognize writers of movies and TV shows that illuminate the human condition.
“I dated a few colleges, but nothing really worked out until I got to Lmu,” Young tells Variety.
Humanitas has a $5 million endowment, but it lacks the infrastructure to expand the scope of its activity even at a time when...
- 3/3/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
UCLA’s vaunted Department of Film, Television and Digital Media got low marks in a recently concluded eight-year review by the school’s Academic Senate. The study found the department has “experienced chronic operational and procedural problems, a contentious and distrustful work environment, and generally low morale among its faculty, staff and students.”
Even so, the review (read it here) found that the department “currently has three particularly strong areas of excellence that we see as the foundation for its programs and activities going forward: its outstanding recent faculty hires and a resolutely inclusive approach to faculty renewal; the dedication of its professional staff to the academic mission and UCLA’s high standards and expectations; and an exceptionally diverse, engaged, and committed student body.”
Still, external reviewers who were brought in to examine the department’s practices found widespread problems. Margaret Stogner, a professor of film and media arts at the American University in Washington,...
Even so, the review (read it here) found that the department “currently has three particularly strong areas of excellence that we see as the foundation for its programs and activities going forward: its outstanding recent faculty hires and a resolutely inclusive approach to faculty renewal; the dedication of its professional staff to the academic mission and UCLA’s high standards and expectations; and an exceptionally diverse, engaged, and committed student body.”
Still, external reviewers who were brought in to examine the department’s practices found widespread problems. Margaret Stogner, a professor of film and media arts at the American University in Washington,...
- 8/27/2020
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Film Independent has unveiled their keynotes, conversations and panelists for the 15th annual Film Independent Forum. The Forum, which is traditionally a weekend event, will now be a week-long virtual event that will reach all corners of the globe from July 31 to August 7.
The event has set a roster of banner names in the industry, featuring a U.S. Filmmaker Keynote with Lulu Wang (The Farewell); a U.S. Executive Keynote with Elissa Federoff, President of Distribution at Neon; a Documentary Keynote with Dawn Porter; and a Global Executive Keynote with Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment Group. Traditionally a weekend event, the Forum has expanded to a full week-long event accessible online to global audiences the week of July 31 to August 7.
In addition, panels will cover financing, production and distribution of films to digital content across diverse platforms...
The event has set a roster of banner names in the industry, featuring a U.S. Filmmaker Keynote with Lulu Wang (The Farewell); a U.S. Executive Keynote with Elissa Federoff, President of Distribution at Neon; a Documentary Keynote with Dawn Porter; and a Global Executive Keynote with Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment Group. Traditionally a weekend event, the Forum has expanded to a full week-long event accessible online to global audiences the week of July 31 to August 7.
In addition, panels will cover financing, production and distribution of films to digital content across diverse platforms...
- 6/30/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Editors’ Note: With full acknowledgment of the big-picture implications of a pandemic that already has claimed thousands of lives, cratered economies globally and closed international borders, Deadline’s Coping With Covid-19 Crisis series is a forum for those in the entertainment space grappling with myriad consequences of seeing the industry screech to a halt. The hope is for an exchange of ideas and experiences, and suggestions on how businesses and individuals can best ride out a crisis that doesn’t look like it will abate any time soon. If you have a story, email mike@deadline.com.
Like the rest of the faculty at Los Angeles’ big film schools, USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Gail Katz had to quickly modify her teaching methods and curriculum once the coronavirus pandemic hit. As a longtime producer, she knows all about adapting on the fly, with credits on blockbusters including the Wolfgang Petersen movies Air Force One,...
Like the rest of the faculty at Los Angeles’ big film schools, USC School of Cinematic Arts professor Gail Katz had to quickly modify her teaching methods and curriculum once the coronavirus pandemic hit. As a longtime producer, she knows all about adapting on the fly, with credits on blockbusters including the Wolfgang Petersen movies Air Force One,...
- 5/6/2020
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Rachel Brosnahan will try science-fiction, documentaries about Herb Alpert and Sasha Joseph Neulinger find homes, and Cameron Boyce’s “Runt” gets a premiere.
Casting
Rachel Brosnahan will star with Anthony Ramos in Amblin Partners’ upcoming comedic sci-fi film “Distant.”
Will Speck and Josh Gordon will direct from Spenser Cohen’s script about an asteroid miner who crash-lands on an alien planet and must contend with the challenges of his new surroundings while making his way across the harsh terrain to the only other survivor – a woman who is trapped in her escape pod.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger and Anna Halberg will produce. Speck and Gordon will also serve as executive producers, along with Jonathan Rothbart and Matt Hirsch.
Brosnahan has won an Emmy, two Golden Globes and two SAG Awards for her performance as “Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel” in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The news...
Casting
Rachel Brosnahan will star with Anthony Ramos in Amblin Partners’ upcoming comedic sci-fi film “Distant.”
Will Speck and Josh Gordon will direct from Spenser Cohen’s script about an asteroid miner who crash-lands on an alien planet and must contend with the challenges of his new surroundings while making his way across the harsh terrain to the only other survivor – a woman who is trapped in her escape pod.
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger and Anna Halberg will produce. Speck and Gordon will also serve as executive producers, along with Jonathan Rothbart and Matt Hirsch.
Brosnahan has won an Emmy, two Golden Globes and two SAG Awards for her performance as “Miriam ‘Midge’ Maisel” in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” The news...
- 2/27/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Trevor: The Musical, an acclaimed stage adaptation of the 1994 Oscar-winning short film that gave rise to one of the nation’s most prominent Lgbtq organizations, will make its New York debut this April in an Off Broadway staging by Marc Bruni, director of the Tony-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and the recently announced, in-development musical adaptation of Fran Drescher’s The Nanny.
The musical, with choreography by Beautiful‘s Joshua Prince, was announced today and is produced by Roy Furman, a producer or co-producer of such current New York hits as Tina, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hansen, Little Shop of Horrors, and A.B. & W. Productions, the group that’s been developing Trevor since 2013.
Trevor will open in April at Stage 42, the Shubert Organization’s Off Broadway theater district venue that recently housed the hit Yiddish-language production of Fiddler on the Roof. Trevor made its...
The musical, with choreography by Beautiful‘s Joshua Prince, was announced today and is produced by Roy Furman, a producer or co-producer of such current New York hits as Tina, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hansen, Little Shop of Horrors, and A.B. & W. Productions, the group that’s been developing Trevor since 2013.
Trevor will open in April at Stage 42, the Shubert Organization’s Off Broadway theater district venue that recently housed the hit Yiddish-language production of Fiddler on the Roof. Trevor made its...
- 1/9/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
John Sayles’ coal strike epic is grand American filmmaking bolstered by fine Haskell Wexler cinematography, great performances by dedicated actors, and a screenplay that avoids the common pitfalls of liberal filmmaking — by assuming the structure of an action Western. Filmed on a shoestring not far from the site of historical events, the pro- Union picture revs up viewer emotions, winding up as a moving, satisfying experience. Matewan’s been out of circulation far too long, but those that remember it will give it a high recommendation.
Matewan
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 999
1987 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 133 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date October 29, 2019 / 39.95
Starring: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin Tighe, Gordon Clapp, Bob Gunton, Jace Alexander, Joe Grifasi, Nancy Mette, Jo Henderson, Josh Mostel, Gary McCleery, Maggie Renzi, Tom Wright.
Cinematography: Haskell Wexler
Film Editor: Sonya Polonsky
Original Music: Mason Daring
Produced by Peggy Rajski,...
Matewan
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 999
1987 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 133 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date October 29, 2019 / 39.95
Starring: Chris Cooper, James Earl Jones, Mary McDonnell, Will Oldham, David Strathairn, Ken Jenkins, Kevin Tighe, Gordon Clapp, Bob Gunton, Jace Alexander, Joe Grifasi, Nancy Mette, Jo Henderson, Josh Mostel, Gary McCleery, Maggie Renzi, Tom Wright.
Cinematography: Haskell Wexler
Film Editor: Sonya Polonsky
Original Music: Mason Daring
Produced by Peggy Rajski,...
- 10/29/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Exclusive: Film Independent is looking to enrich and inspire the industry with its latest lineup of keynotes, films and panelists for its 14th annual Film Independent Forum. Keynotes will be delivered by Late Night filmmaker Nisha Ganatra and Len Amato President of HBO Films. The Forum will kick off with a screening of Olivia Wilde’s comedy Booksmart and will also feature Justin Chon’s drama Ms. Purple. The event, which continues to champion inclusive storytelling in film, takes place April 26 – 28 at the Lmu Playa Vista Campus and Harmony Gold Theater.
“Once again, I am thrilled to congregate our community to explore the work of the most interesting creators this year,” said Maria Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Initiatives. “From our screenings of Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and Justin Chon’s Ms. Purple to our Keynotes by acclaimed writer-director Nisha Ganatra and HBO Films President Len Amato,...
“Once again, I am thrilled to congregate our community to explore the work of the most interesting creators this year,” said Maria Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Initiatives. “From our screenings of Olivia Wilde’s Booksmart and Justin Chon’s Ms. Purple to our Keynotes by acclaimed writer-director Nisha Ganatra and HBO Films President Len Amato,...
- 4/9/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
If it had somehow escaped your notice – in which case, come on out from under that rock – the Oscars are almost upon us again.
Plenty of this year's nominees aren't exactly what you could call unpredictable. There's Meryl, and Leo, and Jennifer, and no major upsets are expected on the night.
But what about the less usual suspects? Digital Spy takes a look back at eight Oscar-winners you may have forgotten about...
Peter Capaldi
The Twelfth Doctor himself took home a statuette from the Academy in 1995, for writing and directing short film Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life. Not to be confused with Frank Capra's actual It's A Wonderful Life, the absurdist short follows Kafka (played by Richard E Grant) in the throes of writer's block while attempting to write his masterpiece The Metamorphosis, and it tied for Best Live Action Short Film with Peggy Rajski's Trevor.
Eminem...
Plenty of this year's nominees aren't exactly what you could call unpredictable. There's Meryl, and Leo, and Jennifer, and no major upsets are expected on the night.
But what about the less usual suspects? Digital Spy takes a look back at eight Oscar-winners you may have forgotten about...
Peter Capaldi
The Twelfth Doctor himself took home a statuette from the Academy in 1995, for writing and directing short film Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life. Not to be confused with Frank Capra's actual It's A Wonderful Life, the absurdist short follows Kafka (played by Richard E Grant) in the throes of writer's block while attempting to write his masterpiece The Metamorphosis, and it tied for Best Live Action Short Film with Peggy Rajski's Trevor.
Eminem...
- 2/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Samuel Goldwyn Films has bought U.S. rights to Stephen Gyllenhaal’s "Grassroots" starring Jason Biggs, Lauren Ambrose, Tom Arnold and Cedric The Entertainer. It's the closing-night film of the 2012 Seattle Film Festival, which runs May 17-June 10; the film will open in theaters June 22. Set in 2001 and inspired by true events, "Grassroots" is the story of a political neophyte (Joel David Moore) who wants to take down a Seattle councilman (Cedric the Entertainer) and moves toward victory after he hires a recently fired alt-weekly reporter (Jason Biggs) to run his campaign. Gyllenhaal and Justin Rhodes wrote the script. The film’s producers are Peggy Rajski, Michael Huffington, Matthew R. Brady, Brent Stiefel and Peggy Case. Ian Puente, Goldwyn’s general counsel and VP development, along with senior VP acquisisions Peter Goldwyn, negotiated the deal with Maren Olson of Traction Media and attorney Darin Frank...
- 5/16/2012
- by Indiewire
- Indiewire
Samuel Goldwyn Films acquired U.S. rights to the Stephen Gyllenhaal-directed Grassroots, a character-driven comedy about the power of the people and the virtues of standing up for what you believe in. Jason Biggs, Joel David Moore, Lauren Ambrose, Cobie Smulders, Tom Arnold, Christopher McDonald and Cedric The Entertainer star. Gyllenhaal and Justin Rhodes wrote the script and Peggy Rajski, Michael Huffington, Matthew R. Brady, Brent Stiefel and Peggy Case produced with Mrb Productions. Goldwyn has slated a June 22nd release. Pic is set in pre-Twitter 2001, as a political unknown named Grant Cogswell (Moore) decides he must take down Seattle City Councilman Richard McIver (Cedric the Entertainer). Grant has only one dream, but it’s a big one: an elegant monorail gliding silently above the city’s wet streets, with only a tiny footprint — “like a kids’ lemonade stand!” – on the ground. He is apoplectic with rage over McIver...
- 5/16/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Last week's controversial winter finale episode of "Glee" may have shocked fans, but one lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (Lgbt) youth advocacy group has seen a number of benefits as a result.
As Entertainment Weeklyis reporting, The Trevor Project saw their web traffic spike and their phone calls triple after the episode, which depicted former bully Dave Karofsky (played by Max Adler) attempting suicide -- to the tune of Young the Giant's "Cough Syrup" -- after being outed as gay to his classmates.
"What was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in advance that there was going to in all likelihood be an increase in volume," Trevor Project co-founder Peggy Rajski tells EW. “What happened was the volume went up about 300 percent, but we were ready."
Adding extra punch, of course, was "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe's public service announcement,...
As Entertainment Weeklyis reporting, The Trevor Project saw their web traffic spike and their phone calls triple after the episode, which depicted former bully Dave Karofsky (played by Max Adler) attempting suicide -- to the tune of Young the Giant's "Cough Syrup" -- after being outed as gay to his classmates.
"What was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in advance that there was going to in all likelihood be an increase in volume," Trevor Project co-founder Peggy Rajski tells EW. “What happened was the volume went up about 300 percent, but we were ready."
Adding extra punch, of course, was "Harry Potter" star Daniel Radcliffe's public service announcement,...
- 2/28/2012
- by Curtis M. Wong
- Aol TV.
Glee’s winter finale featured a story line surrounding former bully Karofsky (Max Adler), who attempted suicide after finding himself the target of gay bullying. The episode included a PSA for the Trevor Project, a national organization that helps prevent Lgbt suicide that counts Daniel Radcliffe and Glee’s own Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, and Adler among its supporters. The episode of the Fox hit led to a record number of traffic for the organization’s website and phone number. “What was great about the show is that they worked in conjunction with us so we knew in...
- 2/28/2012
- by Tim Stack
- EW - Inside TV
'Harry Potter' star calls the award, which he will accept June 27 at NYC's Trevor Live gala, a 'great honor.'
By Kara Warner
Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
Here at MTV News, we've always been big Daniel Radcliffe fans, starting with the "Harry Potter" role that launched his superstardom and continuing with the successful acting career that has followed. However, recently, it is Radcliffe's more charitable efforts that have been drawing our warm regards.
Since 2009, the 21-year-old has been involved with nonprofit organization the Trevor Project, a suicide-prevention/ support group geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens. In recognition of Radcliffe's awareness-raising efforts, he will soon take a break from his "Potter" promoting and Broadway duties to be presented with the organization's Hero Award at the Trevor Live gala at Capitale in New York City on June 27.
"It's fantastic," Radcliffe said of the award. "The fact...
By Kara Warner
Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
Here at MTV News, we've always been big Daniel Radcliffe fans, starting with the "Harry Potter" role that launched his superstardom and continuing with the successful acting career that has followed. However, recently, it is Radcliffe's more charitable efforts that have been drawing our warm regards.
Since 2009, the 21-year-old has been involved with nonprofit organization the Trevor Project, a suicide-prevention/ support group geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens. In recognition of Radcliffe's awareness-raising efforts, he will soon take a break from his "Potter" promoting and Broadway duties to be presented with the organization's Hero Award at the Trevor Live gala at Capitale in New York City on June 27.
"It's fantastic," Radcliffe said of the award. "The fact...
- 6/1/2011
- MTV Music News
Nick Urata has been tapped to write the music for the upcoming political comedy Grassroots. The film is directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal (Homegrown, Losing Isaiah) and stars Jason Biggs (American Pie), Joel David Moore (Avatar), Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under), Christopher McDonald (Requiem for a Dream), Tom Arnold and Cedric the Entertainer. The movie centers on a journalist, who, after losing his job, reluctantly agrees to help his oddball friend with his bid to earn a seat on the Seattle City Council. Grassroots is produced by Peggy Rajski (The Grifters). No word yet on a release date for the project. For updates on the film, visit the official movie website and Facebook page.
Urata who is best known as a member of the indie rock group DeVotchKa (also known for co-writing the music for the indie hit Little Miss Sunshine with Mychael Danna...
Urata who is best known as a member of the indie rock group DeVotchKa (also known for co-writing the music for the indie hit Little Miss Sunshine with Mychael Danna...
- 4/30/2011
- by filmmusicreporter
- Film Music Reporter
Daniel Radcliffe will be honored by The Trevor Project, an anti-suicide/support group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender teenagers, with their Hero Award at a ceremony in New York in June to recognize his work with the organization.
Daniel, who started working with the group two years ago, said, "It's fantastic. The fact that they think of what I've done by promoting awareness of the Trevor Project itself and the issues that it works to promote and help is a great honor. I think that out of everything that I've done so far in my career, I think this is absolutely one of the most important, if not the most important, thing that I'm associated with."
The "Harry Potter" star, who previously appeared in a public service announcement (PSA) for the Trevor Project's 24-hour help line, also paid tribute to the 160 volunteers and counselors at the facility. He said,...
Daniel, who started working with the group two years ago, said, "It's fantastic. The fact that they think of what I've done by promoting awareness of the Trevor Project itself and the issues that it works to promote and help is a great honor. I think that out of everything that I've done so far in my career, I think this is absolutely one of the most important, if not the most important, thing that I'm associated with."
The "Harry Potter" star, who previously appeared in a public service announcement (PSA) for the Trevor Project's 24-hour help line, also paid tribute to the 160 volunteers and counselors at the facility. He said,...
- 3/22/2011
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
'It's fantastic ... a great honor,' actor/activist responds to the news.
By Aly Semigran
Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
For his tireless efforts and support of the Trevor Project — an anti-suicide/support group geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens; "Harry Potter" actor Daniel Radcliffe will be honored with the Hero Award.
According to The Associated Press, the award, which will be given at a ceremony in New York City this June, "recognizes a person who serves as an inspiration to sexual minority youths." Prior recipients have included actor Nathan Lane, actress Vanessa Williams and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ("Milk").
"It's fantastic," Radcliffe, who has long been a gay rights activist and began his work with the Trevor Project in 2009, told the AP. "The fact that they think of what I've done by promoting awareness of the Trevor Project itself and the issues that it...
By Aly Semigran
Daniel Radcliffe
Photo: Bryan Bedder/ Getty Images
For his tireless efforts and support of the Trevor Project — an anti-suicide/support group geared toward gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens; "Harry Potter" actor Daniel Radcliffe will be honored with the Hero Award.
According to The Associated Press, the award, which will be given at a ceremony in New York City this June, "recognizes a person who serves as an inspiration to sexual minority youths." Prior recipients have included actor Nathan Lane, actress Vanessa Williams and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ("Milk").
"It's fantastic," Radcliffe, who has long been a gay rights activist and began his work with the Trevor Project in 2009, told the AP. "The fact that they think of what I've done by promoting awareness of the Trevor Project itself and the issues that it...
- 3/21/2011
- MTV Music News
The times they are a-changin'...
As a producer, I'm still getting accustomed to the highs and lows of producing. My producing partner, Jenny Deller, and I have seen many peaks and valleys over the past few years developing our first feature, Future Weather. Our project was selected as a finalist for major film contest, the script won a best screenplay award from the Nantucket Film Festival, and we've entered into talks with an Oscar-nominated actress to star. But for every one of these achievements, we've had ten times as many disappointments and rejections. I guess it goes with the territory.
A definite high was the day I found out Future Weather was selected for Find's Producers Lab (2009). Little did I know that this victory would bring me face-to-face with another harsh reality: indie filmmaking is a lot more treacherous than it used to be. Keep reading to find out why despite all the challenges,...
As a producer, I'm still getting accustomed to the highs and lows of producing. My producing partner, Jenny Deller, and I have seen many peaks and valleys over the past few years developing our first feature, Future Weather. Our project was selected as a finalist for major film contest, the script won a best screenplay award from the Nantucket Film Festival, and we've entered into talks with an Oscar-nominated actress to star. But for every one of these achievements, we've had ten times as many disappointments and rejections. I guess it goes with the territory.
A definite high was the day I found out Future Weather was selected for Find's Producers Lab (2009). Little did I know that this victory would bring me face-to-face with another harsh reality: indie filmmaking is a lot more treacherous than it used to be. Keep reading to find out why despite all the challenges,...
- 9/1/2010
- Film Independent
Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under, Can't Hardly Wait), DC Pierson (Mystery Team, Derrick Comedy), Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother), Cedric the Entertainer and Tom Arnold (True Lies) have been cast in writer-director Stephen Gyllenhaal's quirky Seattle-based political comedy Grassroots. They join Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore Full details after the jump. The news on DC Pierson's casting came from The Wrap. The rest can be gathered from the press release below. Lauren Ambrose, Cobie Smulders, Cedric the Entertainer and Tom Arnold come aboard writer-director Stephen Gyllenhaal's quirky Seattle-based political comedy, produced by Peggy Rajski Seattle - Lauren Ambrose has joined the cast of the Stephen Gyllenhaal political comedy, Grassroots, produced by Oscar-winner Peggy Rajski. Principal photography is under way in Seattle; Matthew Brady of Mrb Productions is executive producing. The screenplay is based on the Phil Campbell book, "Zioncheck for President," a memoir of the 2001 Seattle City Council election.
- 7/2/2010
- by Peter Sciretta
- Slash Film
Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore have signed for the Seattle-based indie comedy "Grassroots" for Mrb Productions reports Variety.
Based on Phil Campbell’s memoir “Zioncheck for President", the story follows a recently sacked journo (Biggs) who reluctantly agrees to help his friend, a former pedicab driver (Moore), spearhead the Seattle City Council campaign for a monorail.
Stephen Gyllenhaal co-wrote the script and is directing, while Peggy Rajski will produce. Filming kicks off in late June in Seattle.
Based on Phil Campbell’s memoir “Zioncheck for President", the story follows a recently sacked journo (Biggs) who reluctantly agrees to help his friend, a former pedicab driver (Moore), spearhead the Seattle City Council campaign for a monorail.
Stephen Gyllenhaal co-wrote the script and is directing, while Peggy Rajski will produce. Filming kicks off in late June in Seattle.
- 6/25/2010
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore will star in the independent political comedy "Grassroots." According to Variety, Stephen Gyllenhaal will direct the film, based on the memoir "Zioncheck for President" by Phil Campbell. Peggy Rajski will produce through Matthew Brady's Mrb Productions along with Peggy Case and Robin Gurland. Biggs will portray a recently fired journalist who reluctantly agrees to head the Seattle City Council campaign of his eccentric friend (Moore). The film will begin shooting in late June in Seattle. Gyllenhaal's credits include "Losing Isaiah," "A Dangerous Woman," "Waterland" and "Paris Trout." Rajski has been a producer on such films as "The Grifters," "Eight Men Out," "Towelhead" and "Home for the Holidays."...
- 6/25/2010
- by Adnan Tezer
- Monsters and Critics
Jason Biggs and Joel David Moore ("Avatar") are set to star in the Seattle-based independent political comedy "Grassroots." Peggy Rajski produces via Matthew Brady's Mrb Productions. Stephen Gyllenhaal's directs and co-writes based on the memoir by Phil Campbell called "Zioncheck for President." Biggs will play a recently fired journalist who reluctantly agrees to lead the Seattle City Council campaign of his eccentric friend (Moore). "Grassroots" will start filming in Seattle towards the end of June. Gyllenhaal other credits include "Dangerous Woman," "Waterland" and "Losing Isaiah." Additionally, he directed and co-wrote and "Homegrown." What do we think? Biggs' last film of note, was Lionsgate's "My Best Friend's Girl" with Kate Hudson and Dane Cook. The actor has been struggling in shorts, minor efforts ("Lower Learning") and flops like "Over Her Dead Body" with Eva Longoria Parker and Paul Rudd. A move to a stronger, dramatic role is required to...
- 6/24/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The 2009 American Film Market today announced its schedule of seminars and conferences to be held between Nov. 4 and 11. Celebrating its 30th year, the Afm will showcase panels on film financing opportunities, local and international distribution trends, marketing strategies and digital technologies. The sessions will include film executives, producers, writers, directors, distributors, financiers and attorneys. This year’s seminars and conferences will include the annual “Afm Finance Conference” on Friday, Nov. 6; “Pitch Me!” on Saturday, Nov. 7; “No Direction Home – Changing Indie Distribution Strategies” on Sunday, Nov. 8; “Writing for the Genre World” on Monday, Nov. 9; “Case Study: How to Package and Finance Your Independent Project Overseas” on Monday, Nov. 9; and “The New Hollywood Movie Studio, New Media and Social Networking” on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
Programming the seminars and conferences will be the American Society of Cinematographers, British Academy of Film & Television Arts/Los Angeles, Directors Guild of America, Film Independent, Hong Kong Trade Development Council,...
- 10/16/2009
- by sean
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Relativity Media's Ryan Kavanaugh, Comerica Bank's Morgan Rector and Media Rights Capital's Modi Wiczyk will discuss the current state of the indie film business at the opening panel of the American Film Market's finance conference on Nov. 6.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld's P. John Burke will moderate the session to be held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica.
The conference will also include a session on foreign investment as a source of film financing, to be moderated by Kpmg's Benson R. Berro, and a look at Hong Kong as a co-production partner programmed by the Hong Kong Development Council.
Afm's lineup of panels, programmed by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, consists of:
Nov. 7
-- "Pitch Me!," moderated by Peggy Rajski; panelists, Caroline Baron and Ron Yerxa.
-- "Produce & Sell Your Film with Dov S-s Simens," presented by Dov S-s Simens.
Nov. 8
-- "No Direction Home - Changing Indie Distribution Strategies,...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The second annual Filmmaker Forum, organized by Film Independent, is expanding into a two-day seminar to be held in late October at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. The forum will kick off Oct. 26 with a preview screening of Phillip Noyce's political thriller Catch a Fire, starring Tim Robbins and Derek Luke, at the Mann Festival Theatre in Westwood. A Q&A with Noyce, screenwriter Shawn Slovo and producer Robyn Slovo and an opening reception at the Hammer Museum will follow the screening. Participants in the two days of panel discussions on Oct. 27 and 28 will include Peter Broderick (Paradigm Consulting), Micah Green (CAA), Rena Ronson (William Morris Independent), Anne Thompson (The Hollywood Reporter) and Nancy Utley (Fox Searchlight) as well as filmmakers Stephanie Allain, Anna Boden, Neill Dela Llana, Kirby Dick, Ryan Fleck, Sean Furst, Ian Gamazon, Sam Kitt, Peggy Rajski and Wash Westmoreland.
- 9/28/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The second annual Filmmaker Forum, organized by Film Independent, is expanding into a two-day seminar to be held in late October at the Hammer Museum in Westwood. The forum will kick off Oct. 26 with a preview screening of Phillip Noyce's political thriller Catch a Fire, starring Tim Robbins and Derek Luke, at the Mann Festival Theatre in Westwood. A Q&A with Noyce, screenwriter Shawn Slovo and producer Robyn Slovo and an opening reception at the Hammer Museum will follow the screening. Participants in the two days of panel discussions on Oct. 27 and 28 will include Peter Broderick (Paradigm Consulting), Micah Green (CAA), Rena Ronson (William Morris Independent), Anne Thompson (The Hollywood Reporter) and Nancy Utley (Fox Searchlight) as well as filmmakers Stephanie Allain, Anna Boden, Neill Dela Llana, Kirby Dick, Ryan Fleck, Sean Furst, Ian Gamazon, Sam Kitt, Peggy Rajski and Wash Westmoreland.
- 9/27/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Quick Links > Towelhead > Maria Bello > Toni Collette > Aaron Eckhart > American Beauty Alan Ball , the Oscar-winning screenwriter of American Beauty and the Emmy-winning Six Feet Under, will finally make his much anticipated big screen directorial debut with Towelhead, based on the novel by Alicia Erian. Officially its an untitled project, but the script, which has been shelved since being optioned in 2004 while Ball wrapped up Six Feet Under, has found financing in the guise of Steven M. Rales, who will produce with Ball and Ted Hope. Scott Rudin, Peggy Rajski, and Anne Carey are the executive producers. The film, about a young Arab-American girl named Jasira who struggles with sexual obsession in Texas during the Gulf War, will feature Aaron Eckhart (Thank You For Smoking), Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine), and Maria Bello (A History of Violence). In the lead role, Summer Bishil will make her film debut as the confused Jesira,
- 8/8/2006
- IONCINEMA.com
This anthology of short films dealing with gay themes is the sequel to the highly successful previous installment and once again serves as a valuable vehicle for films that would otherwise receive little or no theatrical exposure outside of the festival circuit.
Containing one Oscar winner ("Trevor") and featuring such well-known performers as Vincent D'Onofrio and Mary Beth Hurt, this collection should do well in art house venues and enjoy a long life on video.
"Trevor", the best of the four, is a funny, whimsical look at a 13-year-old boy's growing realization that he's gay -- his obsession with Diana Ross being one major clue. The film starts out as a sort of adolescent "Harold and Maude", with Trevor staging a series of mock suicide attempts in an effort to get some attention from his blase parents. Eventually, he becomes more concerned with his growing attraction to a male friend. He tries to counter his feelings by kissing a girl, bringing no joy. Depressed because of the taunts of his friends and classmates, he tries to commit suicide for real with an overdose of aspirin. However, he gets a new will to live from the encouragement of a gay male candy-striper. Told in the first person, the film is a delicious blend of comedy and angst.
The atmospheric "Alkali, Iowa" benefits from the unusualness of its setting, a farm in America's heartland, where Jack (J.D. Cerna), a young farmer with doubts about his sexual identity, comes to learn the truth about his missing father. The film uses tantalizing hints and skillful technical touches to make its points.
The flashier "Nunzio's Second Cousin" is a strong, sometimes hilariously funny vignette about a brusque gay cop (D'Onofrio) who brings home a would-be "fag basher" to meet his dotty mother (Eileen Brennan). D'Onofrio is convincing in this surprising tale.
The weakest entry is "Must Be the Music", a slight tale about romantic rivalries among boys disco-hopping in L.A. that plays like a gay afterschool special.
BOYS LIFE 2
Strand Releasing
"Must Be the Music"
Director-screenplay Nickolas Perry
Producer Rafi Stephan
Director of photography Steve Adcock
Editor Craig A. Colton
Cast:
Eric Michael Saucedo
Kevin Justin Ulrich
Dave Travis Sher
"Nunzio's Second Cousin"
Director-screenplay Tom DeCerchio
Executive producer Camille Taylor
Director of photography Steve Poster
Editor Mike Murphy
Music Robert Folk
Cast:
Sgt. Tony Randozza Vincent D'Onofrio
Jimmy Miles Perlich
Mrs. Randozza Eileen Brennan
"Alkali, Iowa"
Director-screenplay Mark Christopher
Director of photography Jamie Silverstein Editor Gloria Whittemore
Music Julian Harris
Cast:
June Mary Beth Hurt
Jack J.D. Cerna
Blondie Kent Broadhurst
"Trevor"
Director Peggy Rajski
Screenplay James Lescene
Producers Peggy Rajski, Randy Stone
Director of photography Marc Reshovsky
Editor John Tintori
Music Danny Troob
Cast:
Trevor Brett Barsky
Father Joe Stephen Tobolowsky
Trevor's mom Judy Kain
Trevor's dad John Lizzi
Color/stereo
Running time -- 74 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Containing one Oscar winner ("Trevor") and featuring such well-known performers as Vincent D'Onofrio and Mary Beth Hurt, this collection should do well in art house venues and enjoy a long life on video.
"Trevor", the best of the four, is a funny, whimsical look at a 13-year-old boy's growing realization that he's gay -- his obsession with Diana Ross being one major clue. The film starts out as a sort of adolescent "Harold and Maude", with Trevor staging a series of mock suicide attempts in an effort to get some attention from his blase parents. Eventually, he becomes more concerned with his growing attraction to a male friend. He tries to counter his feelings by kissing a girl, bringing no joy. Depressed because of the taunts of his friends and classmates, he tries to commit suicide for real with an overdose of aspirin. However, he gets a new will to live from the encouragement of a gay male candy-striper. Told in the first person, the film is a delicious blend of comedy and angst.
The atmospheric "Alkali, Iowa" benefits from the unusualness of its setting, a farm in America's heartland, where Jack (J.D. Cerna), a young farmer with doubts about his sexual identity, comes to learn the truth about his missing father. The film uses tantalizing hints and skillful technical touches to make its points.
The flashier "Nunzio's Second Cousin" is a strong, sometimes hilariously funny vignette about a brusque gay cop (D'Onofrio) who brings home a would-be "fag basher" to meet his dotty mother (Eileen Brennan). D'Onofrio is convincing in this surprising tale.
The weakest entry is "Must Be the Music", a slight tale about romantic rivalries among boys disco-hopping in L.A. that plays like a gay afterschool special.
BOYS LIFE 2
Strand Releasing
"Must Be the Music"
Director-screenplay Nickolas Perry
Producer Rafi Stephan
Director of photography Steve Adcock
Editor Craig A. Colton
Cast:
Eric Michael Saucedo
Kevin Justin Ulrich
Dave Travis Sher
"Nunzio's Second Cousin"
Director-screenplay Tom DeCerchio
Executive producer Camille Taylor
Director of photography Steve Poster
Editor Mike Murphy
Music Robert Folk
Cast:
Sgt. Tony Randozza Vincent D'Onofrio
Jimmy Miles Perlich
Mrs. Randozza Eileen Brennan
"Alkali, Iowa"
Director-screenplay Mark Christopher
Director of photography Jamie Silverstein Editor Gloria Whittemore
Music Julian Harris
Cast:
June Mary Beth Hurt
Jack J.D. Cerna
Blondie Kent Broadhurst
"Trevor"
Director Peggy Rajski
Screenplay James Lescene
Producers Peggy Rajski, Randy Stone
Director of photography Marc Reshovsky
Editor John Tintori
Music Danny Troob
Cast:
Trevor Brett Barsky
Father Joe Stephen Tobolowsky
Trevor's mom Judy Kain
Trevor's dad John Lizzi
Color/stereo
Running time -- 74 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 3/12/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.